In this post we add a new dose of landscaping inspiration presenting a backyard garden that mixes a berry patch, gardens, raised beds and whimsy. What we really liked about this backyard garden is the mixing and blending of function, fashion, chaos, order, whimsy, and practical. Here is a virtual tour.

On the south side of the garden, in the late spring/early summer, the raspberries produce a bumper crop of berries, perfect for a morning bowl of granola or evening fruity dessert.

The heart of the garden features an abundance of greenery with plants every which way that create a wild feel. Bursts of flowers provide colorful accents amidst the tomatoes, peppers, kale, lettuce, squash, and other veggie plants. Yet just when it feels too wild, a clear pathway of bricks and stepping stones allow access and create a sense of order.

In addition, throughout the garden, veggies planted directly in the ground grow alongside potted plants and container plants, such as this chard next to a barrel of cosmos and dahlias.

On the outskirts of the foliage where the garden transitions to a bit of lawn lies a sweet retired wagon that serves as a mini raised garden bed. The 3-inch layer of quality potting mix, plus a blend of flowers and herbs, creates the perfect accent to a small space.

This garden also integrates a bit of whimsy, illustrated here with a ceramic chicken nestled in the greens. (A nice juxtaposition to the real chickens hanging out in their coop in the corner.)

However, take care not to cover the base of the tree’s trunk and its root flare with mulch. The sapling in this photo was not mulched properly. It was “volcano mulched,” meaning the mulch was piled in a volcano shape right up to the bark of the trunk. If you pile mulch against the trunk, it will hold moisture there and may lead to root rot. It can also lead to the tree sending up secondary roots, which are weaker roots that will likely get zapped by the sun, frozen by frost, or strangle the tree. Not good. If you want to meet someone who hates volcano mulching with a passion, meet Ken Druse, a guru of gardening who has tons of tips to help you flourish in your landscape.

Instead, mulch your trees starting a few inches out from the trunk out to the drip line or beyond, as far as an 8-foot diameter. The root system of the tree extends far beyond its drip line. In a forest, that entire system benefits from naturally-occurring mulch.

Also, if you have old mulch around your trees, it may need to be raked to ensure it’s not matted. Otherwise, if it’s thick and matted water and air may not be able to seep through to the tree’s root system. Mulch that’s matted can also become weed-ridden.

Organic mulches usually need to be replenished a few times a year to ensure the right depth of mulch (roughly 3 inches) protects and nourishes your trees.

Check it out: In this video these guys identify mulch volcanos that are suffocating/disabling the trees, and save a few by removing a primary layer of mulch, then airblasting away the extraneous mulch, trimming away the secondary root structure, and re-applying a 2” layer of mulch (not next to the trunk!) and out to the drip line.

Mulch, Compost & Topsoil

Are you scrambling to get a good Mother’s Day present? (And if you are a mother, have you considered getting yourself your own present?) Consider the gift of simple gardening! We know, it might sound random, but spreading a 2-3” layer of mulch now will spare you hours of weeding later in the season. If you want to dig deeper, high-quality soil blends will also bring a bountiful harvest later in the season.

Harvest New England produces the high-quality landscaping products you want at four convenient CT locations. Quality mulch selections, rich organic compost, enriched topsoil and custom soil blends can be picked up at any of our locations.

Yard Waste Disposal & Organics Recycling

Is a Spring Clean Up still on your horizon? Need yard waste recycling or wood and stump grinding services? We recycle organic materials like logs, branches and tree limbs, leaves, brush. We’re also your resource for food waste composting. Bring your yard waste to any of our locations in Connecticut for fast service. Harvest brings decades of organics recycling management experience to serving the “green” landscaping needs of homeowners, businesses, and municipalities.

Get a Price Quote for Mulch, Compost or Topsoil

FIRST, TELL US WHAT YOU NEED. Go to our contact page and request a quote. If you have a specific project in mind (leveling the yard, topdressing the lawn, mulching the landscape, installing raised beds) feel free to share! We love to hear more about how our products are being used. If you have a question about our products, ask away! We’re happy to answer your questions.

SECOND, WE CONFIRM THE DELIVERY DETAILS WITH YOU. We’ll give you a call (or email) back within 18 hours – usually sooner – and verify your order details and payment information. If you have any question marks we can often help you figure out how much you need, and which products will make the most sense for your needs.

THIRD, THE DELIVERY GETS SCHEDULED. Our policy is to dump on the driveway or just off the edge with the tires on the driveway.

NOTE! When scheduling a delivery there are a few important things to consider. Dump trucks are not made to drive on lawns or off of obvious roads; lawn damage almost always occurs. Also, they need to be on level firm ground in order to dump without tipping over or sinking into a lawn. Just because a cement truck got to a location does not mean a dump truck can get to the same spot. Always have an alternate dumping spot available. Our drivers are experienced professionals. It is their responsibility to alert you to possible dangers and hazards. It’s also your responsibility to alert them to obstacles, sink holes, septics, and such. Be aware of tree limbs, overhead wires and roof overhangs. During wet weather a dump truck can crack the edge of a driveway. It is our driver’s final decision whether or not they can dump in the desired location. Any instruction by the customer to dump elsewhere (not on the driveway or just off the edge with the tires on the driveway) will be the customer’s responsibility for any damage.

We recently received photos from David of his lovely landscape in Virginia. Taking advantage of the balmy springtime weather, David and his wife used 85 bags of Black Mulch with BiGro™ to add a “tidy, finished look” their front entrance and landscaping.

They are anticipating a hot summer, and figure the mulch will help moderate temperatures for the plants, retain moisture and of course suppress weeds! David described the bags as “a clean and convenient option” for this project.